Bird Nests in Hanging Ferns: Legal and Practical Advice

It's illegal to possess nests of migratory birds without a permit, so discard them with the spent ferns. Nests of non-protected species (pigeons, sparrows, starlings) can be kept after freezing for a week to kill mites. To deter future nesting, insert 10–15 toothpicks in a circle in each basket, or pile sweetgum balls around the base. Birds dislike the prickly surface and will move on.